Several area entities and organizations are among the 114 that received $27.2 million in funding to support victims of crime in kentucky.
According to a release from the governor’s office, federal Victims of Crime Act funding prioritizes services to victims of child abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence, but funding also serves survivors of homicide and victims of burglary, theft, and drug and alochol-related crime, along with elderly victims and adult survivors of childhood abuse and assault.
Among the recipients is the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office. Hardin County Sheriff John Ward says the office will use the $64,662 it is receiving to hire a full-time victim’s advocate.
“You investigate a crime, and you help the victim get through the court process, but other than that there’s limited contact, and this gives us a victim’s advocate that’s going to be there to help a victim of a crime with a vast array of different things,” Ward said. “Getting them help, counseling, different things such as that.”
Michelle Kail is the executive director of CASA of the Heartland, which will receive $47,978. She says support from VOCA is critical for organizations that are maximizing all that they can in their budgets.
“It is very important because that is what allows our small, dedicated team to continue to guide, support, and serve up to 80 volunteers, which in turn allows us to serve the children that we serve in our community,” Kail said.
Funding from this cycle was also supported by funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. For more information on Victims of Crime Act funding or a full list of recipients, visit www.justice.ky.gov.
